Overlooked MBA Programs

From: I_HATE_GMAT Oct-12 6:53 pm
To: ALL (1 of 60)

66338.1

Rolling admissions. Why?

Simple, it decreases their acceptance rate and increases yield. These two data points positively contribute to rankings and give the illusion of selectivity.

Whats the problem with this strategy?

I would argue that Columbia necessarily gets 2nd tier candidates. One major component to Columbia's admission criteria (unstated), is their belief you will actually pick them. Hence they will reject candidates that they know are certainly superior but are afraid will choose other programs.

Seems like a brilliant strategy. Reject those who will reject you anyway.

Here is the problem. A number of applicants that CBS would otherwise like to have (short of their "liklihood" of matriculating at programs like HBS) are rejected each year. Instead they are replaced with lower caliber students who are more of a "sure" thing. Over the years, you really have an adverse selection problem and the quality of CBS's alumni base is bound to suffer.

I would argue that the hallmark of Harvard Business School (for example) is not their current admissions statistics but the profound impact that their alumni have had on the world.

You can't manipulate your way to the top. Top applicants are beginning to understand Columbia's little game so they are starting to avoid applying all together. WHY APPLY SOMEWHERE THAT WILL REJECT YOU BECAUSE THEY THINK YOU WILL REJECT THEM?

All you will be out is the application fee and a headache.

To CBS admissions - Really think through your strategy and ask yourself will this strategy really build CBS. My bet is this a good way to spike admissions statistics in the short run, but is hardly a way to really improve your institution. Stop being so cute and really get to the heart of the problem. Great institutions are built by getting the best possible people. Period. Even if that means taking your lumps and having great candidates reject you. You never know, one of them might accept your offer and do some amazing things for Columbia. One Jack Welch or a US president will advance the CBS cause much further than an extra point of yield (that everyone knows is bullshit anyway).